Here’s what we’ll cover:<\/p>\n
- \n
- What is forskolin?<\/li>\n
- What do the studies say – can it boost your T levels?<\/li>\n
- Are there any side effects?<\/li>\n
- Are there more effective options?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\nWhat is Forskolin?<\/h2>\n
Coleus Forskohli is a tropical plant native to the mountain slopes of Sri Lanka, India and Nepal. It is well-known for its vibrant blue spires and thick green leaves.<\/p>\n
‘Forskolin’<\/em><\/strong>, as it is often known, contains a number of bioactive compounds that\u00a0activate\u00a0cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)\u00a0<\/strong>– an important chemical that can increase the uptake of fatty acids in the body.<\/p>\n
It has been used in traditional Eastern medicine for centuries, and more recently\u00a0used to\u00a0treat a number of cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. It has also been used for its neuro-protective benefits too [1].<\/p>\n
Coleus extracts initially\u00a0gained popularity in the supplement industry as a potential fat burner. However the research was contradictory and although popular, was not that effective. It is also reported to be\u00a0a potential T-boosting supplement too.<\/p>\n
But does the science back up these claims? Let’s have a look at what the studies say…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
\n![\"coleus-for-health\"](\"https:\/\/www.testofuel.com\/tf\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Coleus-for-Health.jpg\")
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\nCan Forskolin Boost Testosterone?<\/h2>\n
The physiology behind how T levels increase might demonstrate the potential this supplement has. Research suggests that cAMP can trigger increases in testosterone\u00a0<\/strong>[2].\u00a0As cAMP itself is triggered by forskolin it would make sense that forskolin could indirectly boost T.<\/p>\n
There is however a surprising lack of research on forskolin, particularly when you are searching for studies on testosterone. To date there are only a handful of studies available – and most of these are on animals.<\/p>\n
One human study that is available was published in\u00a0Obesity Research\u00a0<\/em>in 2005 [3]. Although the study had the primary goal of focusing on obesity,\u00a0the researchers also measured volunteers’ T levels too.<\/p>\n
In this study, 30 volunteers were administered either 250mg of Coleus extract, twice per day for 12 weeks, or a placebo in its place.<\/p>\n
The research team reported\u00a0that there was a ‘trend’ for the supplement group to show changes to body composition suggesting that it could be useful in the treatment of obesity. They also reported that whilst T levels rose 34%, there was a high variability amongst volunteers and\u00a0actual change in serum total testosterone concentration was not significantly different amongst groups.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
Other than that study you’ll be hard pushed to find any other human studies at present. That doesn’t mean that this supplement won’t work it just means that it is very understudied, and when something is\u00a0understudied\u00a0you always need to\u00a0approach it with caution.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n
\n![\"forskolin-side-effects\"](\"https:\/\/www.testofuel.com\/tf\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/Forskolin-Side-Effects.jpg\")
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\n\nKey Point:<\/strong> Forskolin is just far too understudied to say with confidence that it boosts testosterone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nAre There Any Side Effects?<\/h2>\n
This supplement has no serious adverse effects but has been found to elevate heart rate and reduce blood pressure, as well as cause flushing of the skin [4]. The increased cAMP levels may also cause diarrhea.<\/p>\n
Other mild side effects include upper respiratory tract infection, cough and headache.<\/p>\n
It is always possible with supplements of this nature that there may be long-term side effects that have not been discovered as yet. You should instead\u00a0consider choosing a natural T booster that is safe, well-evidenced and also effective.<\/p>\n
\nSummary – Does Forskolin Increase T Levels?<\/h2>\n
Forskolin is derived from the Coleus Forskohlii<\/em> plant – a tropical perennial with tuberous roots, bluish spires and deep green leaves. It has long been used in traditional medicine to treat cardiovascular and respiratory conditions, and\u00a0has more recently been suggested\u00a0as a potential T booster.<\/p>\n
To date there are an extremely limited number of studies to draw upon; even less if you are after human studies. Although some research shows modest promise, there just isn’t enough evidence to say with any conviction that this supplement works.<\/p>\n
There are many more T-boosting supplements out there that are well-evidenced and use nutrients that have been shown time and time again to have a positive effect. Our advice at this stage is to avoid Coleus\u00a0products until more\u00a0research has been conducted.<\/p>\n
\nWhat Does Increase Testosterone?<\/h2>\n